Ava Rodriguez
Turtles are beloved for their calm nature and unique personalities, making them fascinating pets. Land turtles, in particular, have a unique, quiet charm that offers effortless companionship. Unlike their aquatic counterparts, these terrestrial reptiles are often easier to care for, with simpler habitat needs and endearing, slow-paced lifestyles. Slide to see the 25 species you can keep as pets.
Russian Tortoise
The Russian Tortoise is a popular choice for beginners due to its hardiness and manageable size. These turtles grow to around 6 to 8 inches and are known for their curiosity. Their diet is simple, mainly consisting of leafy greens, and they do well in a secure outdoor enclosure or a spacious indoor terrarium.
Greek Tortoise
These creatures are slow movers but fast learners. Often listed as one of the best tortoises to have as pets due to their intelligence, and over time, they can even learn to recognize their owners—They might even approach when they see you, knowing that food is on the way!
Leopard Tortoise
The Leopard Tortoise stands out in any collection with its distinctive spotted shell. This species grows up to 18 inches and, therefore, needs more space. The good news, though, is that this species is generally low-maintenance. These tortoises enjoy grazing on grasses and plants and do well in outdoor setups with plenty of room to roam.
Marginated Tortoise
The Marginated Tortoise is the largest European tortoise, with some growing to 16 inches. They have a unique, flared shell shape and thrive in outdoor enclosures with plenty of sunlight. Known for being gentle and easygoing, they make great companions for those who can provide a warm, safe space where they can bask and graze.
Indian Star Tortoise
Named for the star-like patterns on its shell, the Indian Star Tortoise is a strikingly beautiful species. These turtles are relatively small, reaching up to 10 inches, and are known for their shy, gentle nature. They require a diet rich in high-fiber grasses, leafy greens, and a warm, humid habitat to stay healthy.
Pancake Tortoise
True to its name, the Pancake Tortoise has an unusually flat shell, allowing it to wedge itself into tight spaces for protection. They are small and agile climbers that do well in rocky enclosures with lots of hiding spots. Their quirky appearance and active behavior make them fascinating pets for those who enjoy a turtle that doesn’t fit the mold.
Burmese Star Tortoise
Burmese Star Tortoises are charming with their intricate shell patterns, often displaying a combination of star-like streaks. They are usually exceptionally social and active, which makes them an interesting species to watch. Initially, they are usually a little skittish, but they become more outgoing over time, especially when provided with a secure, warm enclosure.
Egyptian Tortoise
Small and delicate, the Egyptian Tortoise is one of the smallest species of tortoises, usually growing no larger than 5 inches. Despite their size, they are active and curious, often exploring their enclosures. Dry and warm conditions are their perfect habitat, and they are ideal for someone looking for a smaller, low-maintenance turtle with plenty of personality.
Red-Footed Tortoise
Known for the bright red or orange scales on its legs, the Red-Footed Tortoise is a medium-sized species with a reputation for being friendly and easy to care for. They adapt well to different environments but prefer humid conditions. These tortoises are omnivores, enjoying a mix of fruits, vegetables, and the occasional protein.
Yellow-Footed Tortoise
Similar to the Red-Footed Tortoise, the Yellow-Footed Tortoise is distinguishable by the yellow scales on its limbs. This tropical species thrives in warm, humid climates and enjoys a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, and greens. Though they can be shy at first, they become more comfortable with their environment over time, making them great companions.
Elongated Tortoise
The Elongated Tortoise is a medium-sized species known for its elongated shell and active lifestyle. Forested environments make them thrive; they do well in enclosures that offer plenty of shade and humidity. Their diet is relatively easy; they’re omnivorous and should be fed with a mix of plant matter and proteins like worms or insects.
Texas Tortoise
Native to the United States, the Texas Tortoise is a smaller species that can live comfortably in dry, arid environments. These turtles have an inquisitive nature and enjoy exploring their surroundings and this makes them fun to watch. They can live for many decades with proper care and a diet based on grass and other vegetation.
Gopher Tortoise
Originally from the southeastern US, the Gopher Tortoise is well-known for its burrowing behavior. The extensive burrows they dig for shelter make them an important part of the ecosystem. If you have enough space to accommodate their need for digging and outdoor living, they will be a fascinating and fun pet to have.
Angulate Tortoise
The Angulate Tortoise, native to South Africa, has a distinctively angled, pyramid-like shell. Growing to reach about 6 to 8 inches, the Angulate prefers dry, sandy environments. With a calm and somewhat shy demeanor, they are low-maintenance pets if they have a lot of open space and warm weather.
Burmese Brown Tortoise
A bit more rare than others on the list, the Burmese Brown Tortoise is known for its impressive size and hardiness. Though they can be shy initially, they tend to become more social over time and can live for decades with proper care. The ideal environment for them is warm and humid.
Forest Hingeback Tortoise
The Forest Hingeback Tortoise has a hinged shell, allowing it to protect itself by closing its shell tightly. Native to Central Africa, this species enjoys humid, forest-like environments. This species can be somewhat shy, but with proper care and patience, they become more comfortable around humans. Their unique behavior makes them a standout among tortoise pets.
Speckled Cape Tortoise
Also known as the Speckled Padloper, the Speckled Cape Tortoise is the world’s smallest tortoise, growing to only about 4 inches. These delicate little creatures prefer warm, dry climates and do best with experienced caretakers due to their specific needs. Their tiny size and intricate, speckled shells make them a highly sought-after pet for enthusiasts.
Impressed Tortoise
The Impressed Tortoise is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its beautifully ridged shell. They prefer a cooler, more shaded environment compared to other tortoises, thriving in forest-like setups. Gentle and quiet, they are a great option for someone looking for a low-maintenance yet interesting pet to care for.
Spider Tortoise
Named for the web-like patterns on its shell, these tortoises are rare and require special care that includes warm temperatures and a controlled environment. The Spider Tortoise is a small species native to Madagascar, and while their care needs can be demanding, their striking appearance and fascinating behaviors make them rewarding pets for dedicated owners.
Asian Brown Tortoise
Famous for its large size and gentle behavior, the Asian Brown Tortoise is one of the largest tortoises originally from Asia. What makes them a great pet to watch is their impressive size and easygoing nature. Keep their habit humid, and feed them an omnivorous diet with a variety of fruits, greens, and insects.
Home’s Hingeback Tortoise
Home’s Hingeback Tortoise, native to Central Africa, is another species known for its hinged shell, which offers them extra protection in the wild. They prefer a forested environment with access to humidity and shade. Different from many species, they are much more active at dusk.
Desert Tortoise
Adapted to life in arid environments, they are known for their burrowing abilities and tolerance to extreme temperatures. With proper care, including a secure outdoor enclosure and access to plenty of natural sunlight, the Desert Tortoise can live well for decades and make excellent long-term companions.
Hermann’s Tortoise
Hermann’s Tortoise is another great alternative to larger species like the Aldabra. Reaching a modest 7 to 8 inches, these tortoises are engaging and lively. Known for their curious nature, and with proper care, including plenty of space for burrowing and exploring, they can live for decades. Any home would be a good fit for these friendly pets.
Eastern Box Turtle
Even though they’re terrestrial turtles, they need environments with access to both water and land to thrive. The Eastern Box Turtle can get as big as 8 inches and is a beloved North American species known for its domed shell and unique ability to completely close up when threatened.
Ornate Box Turtle
As their name suggests, these turtles are known for their beautifully patterned shells. Their carapace is covered in yellow or orange lines that radiate from the center, creating a stunning design. They thrive in enclosures with a variety of hiding spots and basking areas where they can exercise their curiosity.
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